Free Lone Star Burn: Love On Tap (Kindle Worlds Novella) by Judy Kentrus

“Mathew, you’re my hero,” she said, and gave him a high five. “For that, we’ll have ice cream sundaes for dessert.”
    “Go finish your homework and I’ll be in to finish our game in a little while,” Gray said. “I want to have coffee with Jennie.”
    The moment Matt was out of sight, Grayson stood up and shoved away from the table like a caged lion that had just been set free. He remembered to keep his voice low. “Son of a bitch! Who the hell would start such vicious rumors?”
    “Cruel, nasty people, but I know someone who has it in for both of us: Burt.”
    Grayson drew Jennie from her chair and secured her in his arms. “I’m so sorry, Jennie.”
    “There’s nothing to be sorry for. It’s just like you said—people can be mean.”
    “I can’t believe you aren’t more upset.”
    “Just because we’re calmly discussing the situation doesn’t mean I’m not furious inside. I’m not as concerned about my reputation as I am about Mathew’s party. All but one said they were coming, and I pray no one will change their mind. It would break his heart.”
    “Shit, I hadn’t thought of his party.”
    “Have you met the parents of the boys he invited?”
    “I better, since five of the eight work for me.”
    “That puts my mind at ease a little. We only have three who might change their minds. If I were you, I’d reach out to the boys’ parents personally and assure them there isn’t any funny business going on. I think it would be a good idea if I disappeared once the party got started. I could drive into San Antonio and stay at a hotel for the night.”
    “Absolutely not! That would be giving the gossipmongers exactly what they want. There is no way you are leaving me alone in this house with a bunch of out-of-control pre-adolescents.  Mathew would be disappointed if you weren’t here.”
    “If that’s what you want, and I really don’t want to miss anything. You mentioned having one of your bouncers here to corral the kids, especially when we play the games and have the scavenger hunt. He would be an unofficial chaperone. I’m sure Boomer wouldn’t mind taking on a bunch of little boys, since he’s so proficient at taking care of the big boys. Loretta’s son is invited and she could give me a hand with the food.”
    “Very funny, Ms. Jennie. I hate to agree with your suggestion, but it’s a very good idea.”
    “I’ll order him a sleeping bag and two more costumes this evening and get priority delivery. They’ll fit right in with you and me.”
    “You never said we would be wearing costumes.”
    “Did I fail to mention we’re dressing up for the party?”
    “You certainly did! What costume did you order for me?”
    She gave him a secretive smile. “You’ll have to wait until Saturday night.”
    “Apparently we’ve solved the party problem, but what are we going to do about your floozy reputation?”
    “Tomorrow I have to go to the market, and Malibu Barbie is going to take Fort Mavis by storm.”
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Chapter 6
    When Mathew left for school Friday morning, Jennie went into her bedroom to prepare for her grand entrance into the gossip-laden town. Embarrassing Grayson or Matt was the last thing she wanted to do. He’d spoken to all of his employees, and they assured him their sons would be coming to the party. Apparently Larry had mentioned how gracious she’d been to everyone when they worked at the house, providing food, and offered to help paint. She did, indeed, have her own bedroom.
    She set out her clothes on the bed. Her new camel-colored tailored slacks and a shrimp-colored silk blouse with pearl buttons down the front would make her look chic. Her wedge sandals would be perfect, and she’d gather her hair in a neat twist at the base of her neck, leaving a few curly tendrils caressing her temples. Three graduated lengths of gold chains and large gold hoops would complete a high-class